In China, a Viral Video Sets Off a Challenge to Rape Culture

Mr. Liu’s legal professional in Beijing, who shared the video on Weibo below her verified account, mentioned that in accordance to her shopper the video was genuine.

“The surveillance video speaks for itself, as does the prosecutor’s decision not to bring charges against our client,” Jill Brisbois, Mr. Liu’s legal professional within the United States, mentioned in a assertion. “We believe in his innocence, which is firmly supported by all of the evidence, and we will continue to vigorously defend his reputation in court.”

The video is silent, however subtitles make the purpose so no one will miss it. “The woman showed Richard Liu into the elevator,” says one. “The woman pushed the floor button voluntarily,” says one other. “Once again,” says a third, “the woman gestured an invitation.”

Still, the video doesn’t present essentially the most essential second, which is what occurred between Mr. Liu and Ms. Liu after the condominium door closed.

“The full video depicts a young woman unable to locate her own apartment and a billionaire instructing her to take his arm to steady her gait,” mentioned Wil Florin, Ms. Liu’s legal professional, who accused Mr. Liu’s representatives of releasing the video. “The release of an incomplete video and the forceful silencing of Jingyao’s many social media supporters will not stop a Minnesota civil jury from hearing the truth.”

JD.com declined to touch upon the origin of the video.

In the eyes of many, it contradicted the narrative in Ms. Liu’s lawsuit of an harmless, helpless sufferer. In my WeDiscussion groups, women and men alike mentioned the video confirmed their suspicions that Ms. Liu was asking for intercourse and was solely after Mr. Liu’s cash. A younger lady from a good household would by no means socialize on a enterprise event like that, some males mentioned. A businesswoman requested why Ms. Liu didn’t say no to drinks.

At first, I noticed the video as a setback for China’s #MeToo motion, which was already dealing with insurmountable obstacles from a deeply misogynistic society, web censors and a patriarchal authorities. Already, my “no means no” arguments with acquaintances had been met with groans.